Grilled Cauliflower
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Grilled Cauliflower is an easy and delicious side dish made on your grill! If you are looking for a healthy side dish recipe to pair with your favorite protein on your grill this is it! Seasoned perfectly so there is a ton of flavor. If you love roasted cauliflower, this grilled cauliflower recipe is sure to be a hit!
This quick and easy Grilled Cauliflower recipe is a hack on our famous Grilled Cauliflower Steaks! We use the same spices, but sometimes it’s a bit tricky to slice the cauliflower steaks, even with a sharp knife, so in this recipe we simply cut the cauliflower into florets!
If you are like me, you are always struggling with what to serve with your favorite grilled main dish recipes like our favorite Grilled Pineapple Chicken, which pairs great with this cauliflower recipe.
I love making the entire meal on the grill because then I’m not juggling things inside and outside, so easy vegetables on the grill like this make it so easy to make my dinners outside on the grill!
Why You’ll Love this Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
- This side dish is so flavorful, even the pickiest eater at the table will be asking for seconds!
- Prep your florets a couple of days in advance so when it is time to cook you can shake them up in the seasonings and get grilling!
- This delicious side veggie is ready in 20 minutes and can cook on the grill at the same time as the rest of your meal
Ingredients for Grilled Cauliflower
- Cauliflower – the star of the show! Definitely buy fresh, not frozen for this recipe
- Garlic Powder – gives that distinct garlicky flavor
- Smoked Paprika – the smoky flavor is perfect for the grill
- Sea Salt – the unsung hero of seasoning
- Black Pepper – adds the perfect bite to each floret
- Onion Powder – 1/4 teaspoon adds the perfect amount of onion flavor
- Olive Oil – this will help to coat the cauliflower with the seasonings
Helpful Tools
What Other Seasonings Can I Use?
- Steak Seasoning – Gives it a hearty taste that pairs well with vegetables.
- Chili Lime – Adds a little kick and big flavor!
- Curry – Delicious and unique.
- Old Bay – Simple and common but still a great seasoning that’s probably already in your pantry!
- Lemon Pepper – Adds a hint of lemon and spice.
- Blackening Spice – Gives a pepper taste that cuts the sweetness of the cauliflower.
How Do I Wash Cauliflower?
There are so many nooks and crannies in cauliflower – how can it ever be clean? If you are patient, it can be super easy. Cut the whole head into florets using a cutting board and then soak them in cool water, allowing any dirt to fall off.
Pat the cauliflower dry to store or before you season it.
How to Season Cauliflower
Add seasonings and olive oil to a zip lock bag, shake the bag to mix them up. Add the cauliflower and shake well to cover the florets in the seasoning. If you don’t have a zip lock bag handy, toss everything together in a medium sized mixing bowl.
How to Grill Cauliflower
- Prep Cauliflower – Wash your cauliflower, remove stem and leaves and cut into florets.
- Season Cauliflower – Add spice and olive oil into a bag and mix. Once done, add in the cauliflower and shake to coat.
- Grill – Once coated, put on the grill {we love our grill pan!} and cook for about 20 minutes.
How long should I grill cauliflower?
You should plan on grilling your cauliflower for about 20 minutes. If you do less time, it will have more crunch to it and if you do more time, it will be softer in texture.
What if I don’t have a grill pan?
If you don’t have a grill pan, don’t fret. You can simply use this DIY grill basket with aluminum foil hack instead!
Make a “bowl” and set the cauliflower on it. Leave it open on top to be charred. If you want it to be less charred, you can seal up the tinfoil for a more steamed effect and texture.
Why is My Cauliflower Soggy?
There are a couple of reasons your cauliflower might have gotten a little too soft for your liking. First, the pan might be too crowded. Give the florets a little bit of space between each other.
Second, there may have been too much moisture. If you prep and store the florets ahead of time, be sure to use a paper towel in the container to absorb any moisture. If you are washing right before you use the florets, be sure to pat them dry before seasoning them.
How to Store Leftovers
Once it is cooled, store the grilled cauliflower in an airtight container and keep in the fridge.
Eating this within 48 hours after being grilled is a safe bet. Any longer than that and the cauliflower might not hold its shape or taste as much.
A great way to use leftover grilled cauliflower would be to add it to a pasta salad – don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh herbs.
How to Reheat Leftovers
You can reheat on low in a pan on the stove or simply put it in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Pro Tips
- Whole heads of cauliflower vary in size, so you may have do add extra oil and seasonings if you have a very large cauliflower
- Save prep time by cutting your florets 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container with a piece of paper towel to absorb any moisture
- Garnishes like fresh herbs such as parsley can add a really nice pop of green and some great flavor to this dish
- Don’t have a grill pan and you’ve run out of foil? Not to worry – you can always use a cast-iron skillet on the BBQ
If you have yet to try cooking cauliflower on the grill, this is a great place to start! You will definitely love the simplicity of the recipe and the great flavor of this veggie side dish.
What to Serve With Grilled Cauliflower
Make it a meal by serving a main dish with your grilled cauliflower! Everything on the grill makes for easy cooking and clean up!
- Grilled Boneless Pork Chops are the juiciest pork chops around
- Ready in 30 minutes, you’ve got to try Ranch Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Honey Bourbon Steak will fix your sweet and salty cravings!
- This Smoked Beef Tenderloin pairs wonderfully!
More Grilled Vegetables You’ll Love!
Pairing your grilled main dish with a grilled cauliflower is quick, easy and healthy! Here are a few of our favorite quick and easy vegetable recipes we love to prepare on the grill so you can add them to your grilling rotation.
- We have mastered a Grilled Zucchini that keeps some crunch!
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts take no time at all and are a great addition to any grilled meal
- Grilled Asparagus can share some space in your grill pan
- The perfect addition to a family supper is our Grilled Cauliflower Steak
- Grilled Green Beans in Foil Packet are the easiest veggie to add to the grill all summer long!
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Grilled Cauliflower Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Clean and heat grill to medium or about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl combine spices and olive oil. Add cauliflower florets and mix until combined.
- Place grill pan on grill and spread cauliflower out evenly on the pan.
- Close grill and cook for about 20 minutes or until cauliflower is crisp tender.
Tips
- Steak Seasoning – Gives it a hearty taste that pairs well with vegetables.
- Chili Lime – Add a little kick and flavor!
- Curry – Delicious and unique.
- Old Bay – Simple and common but still a great seasoning that’s probably already in your pantry!
- Lemon Pepper – Adds a hint of lemon and spice.
- Blackening Spice – Gives a pepper taste that cuts the sweetness of the cauliflower.
Doug says
I just quarter the cauliflower and lay the pieces straight on the grill, turning when I turn my steaks.
the Evinks says
Great option thanks for the tip!
Liz says
I love roasted or grilled cauliflower. It really brings out such a great flavor! We’re going to be making this one a LOT!
Megan Mitzel says
Glad you liked it!
Jenni says
I made this for dinner last night and it turned out fantastic! I have never grilled vegetables on the grill before, but it was so easy! Definitely doing it again!
Megan Mitzel says
Thanks for trying it! Glad it was a hit!
Malinda Linnebur says
Made this with the steak seasoning as a side for our steaks and it was great! Thanks for the recipe!!
Megan Mitzel says
The perfect side for a grilled steak!
Danielle Green says
Love how such an easy recipe can turn out a delicious side dish!
Megan Mitzel says
It is so simple! Glad you loved it!